Solar Audio Bench – Tolvaddon Fire Station
It might look like a bench, but to the crew here at Tolvaddon Fire Station near Camborne, it’s a super sonic stress-buster.
– Andrea Ormsby, BBC Spotlight
Sound has the power to affect our emotions, conjuring various feelings and memories while altering our mood. ‘Echo Point’ is an audio-centred project that aims to improve community resilience and individual wellbeing by tapping into this resource.
One example of their work can be seen just outside of Tolvaddon Fire Station in Camborne where sound designer Justin Wiggan utilised one of our Solar Audio Benches to create what he calls an ‘Echo Point’. Justin asked firefighters what sounds in everyday life produce feelings of calm which he in turn used to create an audio meditative session composed of these sounds, encouraging words and breathing exercises.
The Solar Audio Bench ‘Traditional’ is capable of sharing this relaxing audio session via the inbuilt solar powered audio unit. Firefighters working at Tolvaddon Fire Station are now able to destress all year long at the push of a button, without requiring mains power to do so.
The project has been an overwhelming success, gathering attention from both the BBC and ITV. Additional ‘Echo Points’ can be found across the UK with plans to roll out many more.
The Fire Fighters Charity video below showcases another Solar Audio Bench installed at Harcombe House;
